APU SoF Students Fired Up by ASB-UNHCR Conference Links SDGs to Refugee Solutions

The conference enhanced students’ understanding of refugee concerns (SDG 4) and commitment to fostering a fairer world (SDG 10), with experts discussing topics such as Brazil’s innovative refugee policy and mental health challenges faced by refugees besides emphasising collaboration and dialogue in creating effective refugee policies (SDG 16), broadening students’ perspectives, and sparking a passion for addressing global humanitarian challenges.

On 12 and 13 June 2024, 35 aspiring leaders from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Foundation (SoF) embarked on an eye-opening journey to the 4th ASB-UNHCR Conference on Refugee Studies & Forced Displacement 2024.

Attending such a conference can equip the 35 aspiring leaders with knowledge and tools to advocate for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 in their future endeavours.

This experience demonstrates APU SoF’s commitment to understanding these issues and potentially building solutions towards a more equitable world covering SDG 10.

This conference, hosted by the ASEAN Research Centre (ARC) under the prominent Asia School of Business (ASB) in Kuala Lumpur, was more than just an academic event — it served as a gateway for new perspectives on global refugee policy.

One of the conference’s notable aspects was that it began with a welcome message from Prof. Sanjay Sarma, CEO/President and Dean of the ASB, and was followed by remarks from Thomas Albrecht, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative.

Following that, H.E. Ary Norton de Murat Quintella, Ambassador of Brazil to Malaysia; Comfort Wobil Brima, Representative from the West African Refugee Community and Founder of Teen Health International; and Dr. Melati Nungsari, Faculty Director of the ASEAN Research Centre (ARC), delivered opening addresses.

The conference continued by introducing the National Committee for Refugees (CONARE) and Brazil’s National Refugee Policy. Dr. Pedro Henrique de Moraes Cícero, General Coordinator of CONARE Brazil under the Ministry of Justice, presented this information.

Dr. Pedro captivated the audience with insights into Brazil’s pioneering Refugee Act of 1997, which is lauded worldwide for its innovative approach to refugee protection.

After lunch, the ASB-UNHCR Conference continued with the presentation of research session 1, which focused on Intervention Mechanisms.

Three topics were discussed, beginning with Building Social Capital for Health: The Case of Rohingya Refugees in Malaysia by Natasha Howard and Tan Sok Teng from the National University of Singapore (NUS); Healthcare and Livelihood Costs for Refugees in Malaysia by Norliza Nordeen, Funds Coordinator from the Refugee Emergency Fund (REF); and The Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on Those Seeking Asylum by Hasna Mehraj Sheikh from Queen Mary University of London, UK.

On the second day, Dr. Pedro hosted a learning session for invited students, researchers, and civil society organisations titled Towards an Inclusive National Refugee Policy for Malaysia and Brazil.

The conference then moved on to the second research session for Policy Implementation, which featured three topics: Legal Challenges of Climate-Induced Displacement: An Intersectional Analysis by Samina Khan from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM); Implementation of Thailand’s National Screening Mechanism: Protection or Prevention? by Mary Rose Geraldine A. Sarausad from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT); and History and Current Relevance of Bangkok Principles by Lili Song from Harvard/Otago University.

The third research session proceeded with discussions on Social Attitudes, addressing three topics: Access to and Impact of Early Childhood Education of Children in Malaysia: Insights from Global Challenges Research Fund Project by Kimberly Kong from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM); Refused Refugees: Is it a Failure of the Refugee Regimes to Protect the Gazans? by AKM Ahsan Ullah, Associate Professor and Deputy Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (graduate studies and research) at the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD); and Refugee Stereotypes from the General Public by Rachel Decruz and Melati Nungsari from the ASB.

The conference concluded with a film screening titled The Fourth and Still in Motion by Laura Low, an independent filmmaker in collaboration with Freedom Film Network (FFN), as well as a panel discussion moderated by Melati Nungsari on Media Representations of Refugees in Malaysia and Why So Many Refugees Risk Their Lives to Enter This ASEAN Country.

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From theory to reality

The room was buzzing with excitement as students, led by Ms Iman Danish Sha and Ms Manpreet Kaur from the SoF, interacted closely with the speakers.

Joel Lai Jia En, Data Informatics student commented, “This was not your typical college talk. Everything, from the speakers’ knowledge to the audience’s enthusiasm, made it really professional. It broadened my perspective on how different nations handle refugee issues and what we can learn from them.”

Hildani Khairuddin, an Interactive Technology student, emphasised the necessity of international collaboration in policymaking, inspired by Brazil’s inclusive attitude toward refugees.

“Learning about Brazil’s dedication to human rights for refugees was heartening. It helped me understand the complications of refugee integration in Malaysia.”

Timothy Chong Tze Kiong (Interactive Technology student) described the seminar as a revelation.

“I had never truly thought about refugee policies until today. Thank you to Ms. Iman and Ms. Manpreet for this eye-opening experience. It highlighted the global challenges that refugees endure, as well as the value of education and acceptance."

Chai Kok Wayne (Data Informatics student) summed up the day as “fantastic”. He found Pedro’s insights regarding refugee rights and work permits in Brazil fascinating.

He also praised James’ ergonomic research on Rohingya education networks, emphasising the event’s relevance for inquisitive minds.

The ASB-UNHCR conference broadened views and sparked a passion for global humanitarian issues among APU SoF students.

As students reflected on their experiences and study, they were excited about future opportunities to participate in urgent global concerns. The conference itself is a form of promoting dialogue and cooperation ― key aspects of SDG 16.